Experiences of Allied Health Clinicians Accessing a Pilot Project ECHO® Program to Support Learning in Pediatric Feeding.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric feeding disorder is increasing in prevalence, yet low clinician confidence regarding its management is a barrier to care. Targeted clinician training is needed as traditional didactic training programs are limited in both their accessibility and capacity to provide opportunities for the application of theory-based learning. METHODS: This study examined the experiences of a group of clinicians involved in a multidisciplinary PedFeed ECHO® network, a virtual community of practice established to support speech pathologists, occupational therapists, dieticians, and psychologists in Queensland, Australia, working with children with pediatric feeding disorder. Sixteen clinicians (34% of the total PedFeed ECHO network) from different professional backgrounds, clinical settings, and locations participated in semistructured interviews three months post completion of eight ECHO sessions. RESULTS: Inductive thematic analysis revealed three themes: (1) broad-ranging outcomes of PedFeed ECHO, (2) participant experiences of PedFeed ECHO, and (3) facilitators for future success. PedFeed ECHO was viewed very positively and provided participants with a valuable opportunity for information sharing and collaboration as a multidisciplinary team. Participants described impacts on their professional practice, knowledge, confidence, and professional isolation, as well as service and patient-level impacts. Several facilitators for the success of future PedFeed ECHO cohorts were provided. DISCUSSION: Insights from participants will serve to improve the design and delivery of ECHO training for future cohorts. Monitoring clinical skill development over a longer period of time and exploring clinician perceptions regarding direct impact on patient care are needed to further validate the impact of ECHO.

A systematic review of synchronous telepharmacy service models for adult outpatients with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Telephone and videoconsults are known synchronous telepharmacy modalities being used to respond to the demand for outpatient pharmacy services. However, little is known about the evidence for cancer telepharmacy service models. OBJECTIVES: To review existing evidence regarding synchronous telepharmacy service models for adult outpatients with cancer, with a secondary focus on outcomes, enablers, and barriers. METHODS: A PROSPERO registered systematic review was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, and EMBASE in March 2023. Key search terms included pharmacy, telepharmacy, and outpatient. During article selection in Covidence, an extra inclusion criterion of synchronous cancer-focused services was applied; data extraction and narrative analysis were then performed. RESULTS: From 2129 non-duplicate articles, 8 were eligible for inclusion, describing 7 unique patient populations. The service models included pre-treatment medication history taking, adherence monitoring, toxicity assessment, and discharge follow-up. Studies found synchronous telepharmacy services can improve timeliness of care, optimise workload management, and provide individualised and convenient efficacy monitoring and counselling. One study of 177 patients on immune checkpoint inhibitors found 38% of the 726 telephone consults involved at least one intervention. When videoconsults were compared directly with telephone consults for pre-treatment medication history, it was found scheduled videoconsults had a significantly higher success rate than unscheduled telephone consults, and that videoconsults also represented increased funding and equivalent time efficiency. When telephone follow-up was compared to no follow-up, improved treatment adherence was seen, and progression-free survival was significantly higher for the telephone group (6.1 months vs 3.7 months, p = 0.001). Reported enablers included physician buy-in, staff resources, and correct utilisation of technology, while identified barriers included time investment required and technical issues. CONCLUSION: Both telephone and videoconsult modalities are being used to deliver synchronous telepharmacy services across a range of outpatient services. Although more evidence is needed, data to date supports positive service benefits and enhanced care.

'The big value of it is getting the patient seen by the right person at the right time': clinician perceptions of the value of allied health primary contact models of care.

Allied health primary contact clinic models of care have increasingly been used as a strategy to increase public health service capacity. A recent systematic review found little consistency or agreement on how primary contact clinics are evaluated. The concept of value of primary contact clinics, which has important implications for evaluation, has not yet been explored in-depth. To explore allied health clinicians' perceptions of the value of allied health primary contact clinics, with the goal of informing an evaluation framework, a descriptive qualitative approach utilizing semi-structured interviews was employed. Participants included allied health staff embedded in clinical lead roles within primary contact clinics across four acute care hospitals in a metropolitan health service located in South-East Queensland, Australia. Lead staff from 30 identified primary contact clinic models in the health service were approached to take part via email. All eligible participants who provided consent were included. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used. A total of 23 clinicians (n = 23) representing 22 diverse models of primary contact clinics participated. Most participants were physiotherapists, dietitians, or occupational therapists, although speech pathology, audiology, and podiatry were also represented. Participant perceptions of the 'value' of PCCs were a highly complex phenomenon, comprising five intersecting domains: (i) patient satisfaction; (ii) clinical outcomes; (iii) care pathway and resource use; (iv) health service performance; and (v) staff satisfaction and professional standing. These five core value domains were positively or negatively influenced by 12 perceived benefits and 8 perceived drawbacks, respectively. Value domains were also highly interrelated and impacted upon each other. The concept of 'value' relating to primary contact clinics involves multiple intersecting domains encompassing different perspectives. This study highlighted potential benefits and drawbacks of primary contact clinics that have not yet been measured or explored in the literature, and as such may be useful for healthcare administrators to consider. The findings of this study will inform an evaluation framework including health economics calculator for primary contact clinics.

Using concept mapping to guide dysphagia service enhancements in Singapore: Recommendations from the speech-language pathology workforce.

PURPOSE: Optimising dysphagia service delivery is crucial to minimise personal and service impacts associated with dysphagia. However, limited data exist on how to achieve this in Singapore. This study aimed to develop prioritised enhancements that the speech-language pathology workforce perceived as needed to improve dysphagia services in Singapore. METHOD: Using a concept mapping approach, 19 speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and 10 managers listed suggestions for dysphagia service optimisation. Within their groups, the collated suggestions were sorted based on similarity, and individually rated on a 5-point scale based on importance and changeability. Using cluster and bivariate analysis, clusters of similar suggestions and prioritised suggestions for service optimisation were identified. RESULT: The SLPs and managers proposed 73 and 51 unique suggestions respectively. Six clusters were identified for each group, with similar themes suggesting agreement of service improvements. All clusters were rated as more important than changeable. The managers perceived services as easier to change. The SLPs and managers rated 37% (27/73) and 43% (22/51) of suggestions, respectively, as high priority, with similarities relating to workforce capacity and capability, support and services access, care transitions, and telehealth services. CONCLUSION: Prioritised enhancements identified by SLPs and managers provide direction for dysphagia service optimisation in Singapore.

Dysphagia Management in the Emergency Department: Using Concept Mapping to Identify Actionable Change to Improve Services.

BACKGROUND: Integrated speech-language pathology (SLP) services within the emergency department (ED) may facilitate timely dysphagia management. However, there are multiple patient and logistical factors specific to the ED that challenge the delivery of optimal dysphagia referral and management practices within this setting. The aim of the current study was to engage a stakeholder group to identify prioritised, actionable goals that could help enhance dysphagia management within the ED. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Applying concept mapping methodology, 16 ED stakeholders from SLP, medical, nursing, and leadership participated in semi-structured interviews to develop action statements which were sorted and ranked for importance and changeability. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis were used to organise data in clusters with unifying themes before statements were ranked by importance and changeability. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Stakeholders identified 53 unique statements, grouped into 8 clusters. Review of the 8 clusters identified 3 overarching aspects for change: (a) Improving processes related to identification and referral of patients as well as communication; (b) Teamwork and collaboration amongst the ED multidisciplinary team and SLP; and (c) Improving staffing and access to training resources for SLP and nursing teams. Seventeen statements were within the Go-zone rated highest for importance and changeability) with the highest rated statement being: Clear documentation by SLP re: recommendations. CONCLUSION: The current data identified multiple aspects of service provision that require change to facilitate improved dysphagia referral and management services in the ED. Collaborative actions are required by both SLP and the ED multidisciplinary team to help optimise dysphagia services.

Nature and timeliness of dysphagia management within an emergency setting.

PURPOSE: To examine referral pathways, clinical demographics, and timeliness of dysphagia management within an emergency department (ED) setting utilising both ED staff and speech-language pathology (SLP) initiated referral pathways. METHOD: Six-month retrospective service review of patients who received dysphagia assessment by SLP within a major Australian ED. Data were collected on demographics, referral information, and SLP assessment and service outcomes. RESULT: Three hundred and ninety-three patients were assessed by SLP staff in the ED, consisting of 200 stroke and 193 non-stroke referrals. In the stroke cohort, 57.5% of referrals were initiated by ED staff, while 42.5% were SLP initiated. ED staff initiated 91% of non-stroke referrals, with few (9%) proactively identified by SLP staff. SLP staff identified a higher proportion of non-stroke patients within 4 hr of presentation compared to ED staff. Stroke patients identified by SLP staff were more likely to have assessments completed within 8 hr compared to the ED referral pathway. Collectively, 51% of patients required ongoing dysphagia management following initial assessment. CONCLUSION: Findings provide an overview of SLP services and referral pathways in an ED context. The SLP initiated referral pathway facilitated early assessment of stroke patients, and collaboration with ED staff was integral in referring other at risk populations. SLP/ED synergy is needed for appropriate and timely dysphagia management practices in an ED.

Speech pathology assessment of dysphagia post endotracheal extubation: A service-model evaluation.

BACKGROUND: As postextubation dysphagia (PED) is correlated with pneumonia, feeding-tube placement, and in-hospital mortality, early identification is paramount. Endotracheal intubation duration of ≥48 h is independently predictive for PED. Therefore, a blanket intensive care unit (ICU) referral protocol was implemented to conduct PED assessment of patients intubated for ≥48 h. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to review outcomes of an established blanket referral model for PED assessment in patients intubated for ≥48 h. Outcomes of the model were examined over a 2-year period (June 2015-June 2017) for (i) numbers and clinical characteristics of patients meeting criteria and referred for speech pathology (SP) assessment; (ii) frequency identified with PED on clinical swallow examination; (iii) severity and duration of PED; and (iv) SP management within the ICU. RESULTS: There was 96% adherence to the pathway with 108 participants (68% male) assessed. Median intubation duration was 142 h (mode = 61; interquartile range [IQR] = 131.75), and median ICU admission was 9 days (mode = 8; IQR = 6.75). SP referral occurred at a median of 19.5 h (mode = 4; IQR = 18.75) after extubation. Dysphagia assessment occurred at a median of 22 h (mode = 4; IQR = 19), with 34% assessed on the same day and 77% within 24 h of extubation. PED was observed in 89%, with 26% exhibiting profound PED. Dysphagia recovery occurred at a median of 7 days (mode = 2; IQR = 11). Dysphagia severity was associated with duration to swallow recovery (p = 0.001). A median of two occasions of service and 90 min clinical time was spent by the speech pathologist in the ICU. CONCLUSION: The blanket referral model enabled timely triage and assessment of dysphagia in a patient cohort at high risk of PED in our facility.

Examining the Outcomes of Project ECHO® as an Interprofessional Community of Practice for Pediatric Feeding Clinicians.

Project ECHO® is a virtual, interprofessional, cased-based peer-learning model. To date, no studies have explored ECHO as a model for pediatric feeding education. This study examined the outcomes of establishing a pediatric feeding ECHO network. Using a prospective, mixed-methods design, two cohorts of allied health professionals were recruited. Each cohort participated in eight, 90-min videoconference sessions incorporating a didactic presentation and clinical case presentation. The case was presented by a participant, with questions and recommendations provided by the ECHO network. Participants completed: (1) a learning needs analysis before the ECHO series, (2) a self-reported confidence questionnaire pre, post, and 3-month post, (3) a satisfaction questionnaire after each session, and (4) an overall satisfaction questionnaire post-ECHO series. Time spent by hospital allied health clinicians providing impromptu phone/email feeding support to external clinicians was recorded for 8 weeks prior to and 8 weeks during the ECHO series. Forty-seven participants were included in the study, attending an average of 5.8 sessions. Significant improvements in self-reported confidence were observed across the three time points (p < 0.01) with less experienced participants demonstrating greater improvements. Participants reported high satisfaction with ECHO, with 93% (40/43) wanting continued access to ECHO in future. The multidisciplinary format, interactivity, structure, and case-based nature of ECHO were considered beneficial. A 75% reduction in requests for support from clinicians in the same catchment area was noted during the ECHO series. Results demonstrated that Project ECHO is a viable model for pediatric feeding education for clinicians working in the field. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects and impacts on clinical care.

Patient and multidisciplinary health professional perceptions of an Australian geriatric evaluation and management and rehabilitation hospital in the home service.

OBJECTIVES: Hospital in the Home models are rapidly expanding in response to increasing bed pressures. This study examined patient and multidisciplinary health professional perceptions of a new geriatric evaluation and management and rehabilitation hospital in the home service in Australia. The service was unique, as adults of all ages with a variety of rehabilitation or geriatric evaluation and management needs were within scope. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive approach was used with a consumer co-researcher and a consumer advisor being integral to decision-making. Patient feedback was collected via a paper-based patient satisfaction survey between August 2020 and February 2022. Additionally, interviews with current and past staff were conducted from July to November 2021. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted for qualitative data and descriptive statistics used for quantitative data. RESULTS: Patient surveys were analysed (n = 199, 42.2% response rate) with 60.8% of participants aged 75 years or over and 26.6% speaking a language other than English. High satisfaction was expressed. Feelings of comfort, familiarity, convenience, and reassurance were voiced. A person-centred approach enhanced involvement in care. Challenges included carer burden and clear communication. Sixteen staff (33% response rate) were interviewed. In general, staff said the service was inclusive and responsive, and the home environment beneficial, particularly for patients from culturally diverse backgrounds. A strong hospital partnership and comprehensive multidisciplinary approach were vital. Challenges included fragmentation due to part-time roles and combining with a pre-existing acute hospital in the home service. CONCLUSIONS: This qualitative exploration of staff and patients' perceptions of a geriatrician-led, multidisciplinary geriatric evaluation and management and rehabilitation hospital in the home service demonstrated that it was person-centred and optimised patients' control and ownership of care. The inclusive service parameters ensured responsiveness to diverse needs whilst allowing earlier return home from hospital, both of which are vital for quality patient care.

Feeding Characteristics in Children With Food Allergies: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Food allergy (FA) affects approximately 8% of children and may be immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated or non-IgE-mediated. It is recognized clinically that children with both subtypes of FA may present with features of pediatric feeding disorder (PFD); however, there is currently a limited detail of presenting characteristics. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to synthesize the current evidence regarding the feeding characteristics of children with FA, with a focus on the feeding skills and psychosocial domains of PFD. METHOD: This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Papers published between 2001 and 2022 describing feeding characteristics in the feeding skills and psychosocial domains in children with FA/history of FA were included. Papers that focused solely on characteristics from the medical or nutritional domains were excluded. Descriptive information regarding demographics, methodology, allergy profile and history, and the characteristics of PFD observed was extracted using a preconceived data extraction form. RESULTS: Overall, 40 papers contained descriptions of feeding characteristics of children with non-IgE-mediated FA (n = 22) and IgE-mediated FA (n = 11), while four were nonspecific. In the psychosocial domain, food refusal/aversion, anxiety with eating, and poor intake were the most frequently reported, regardless of FA subtype. Less information was reported regarding feeding skills, although slowness in eating, immature diet, and delays in oral sensory-motor skills were described. CONCLUSIONS: Children with FA/history of FA may present with a range of characteristics that map across the feeding skill and psychosocial domains of PFD. Systematic research is needed to fully describe the feeding characteristics of children with FA. SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIAL: https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.24562732.

Implementing flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallow screening within annual cancer surveillance appointments to monitor for late-stage radiation-induced dysphagia: A feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Late-stage progressive decline of swallowing function after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) is often difficult to monitor. This study examined the feasibility and clinical outcomes of speech-language pathology implementing flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallow (FEES) screening during annual cancer surveillance visits to monitor late-stage swallowing function. METHODS: Patients >2 years post treatment who attended routine oncological visits underwent FEES screening. Feasibility (service data, stakeholder survey) and swallowing outcomes (oral intake, secretions, internal lymphedema, penetration-aspiration, and residue) were collected. RESULTS: Screening was completed with 70% (50/71) of eligible patients. Medical staff and speech-language pathologists indicated the protocol was worthwhile and achievable to incorporate into practice. Almost all patients were willing to complete the protocol annually. FEES outcomes identified 84% with dysphagia versus only 26% self-reported dysphagia. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate FEES screening incorporated into annual oncological reviews is feasible and effective at monitoring late-stage swallowing function following HNC.

Outcomes of a first point of contact speech language therapy clinic for patients requiring vocal cord check pre and post thyroid/parathyroid surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Speech Language Therapy First Point of Contact Clinic (SLT-FPOCC) models can assist assessment of low-risk patient populations referred to ear, nose and throat (ENT) services. To further improve ENT waitlist management and compliance with best-practice care, consideration of other low-risk populations that could be safely managed through this service model is needed. The aims of this paper are to evaluate the clinical and service outcomes of completing vocal cord check (VCC) assessments for patients' pre and post thyroid/parathyroid surgery within an SLT-FPOCC model and examine consumer perceptions. METHODS & PROCEDURES: The service followed existing SLT-FPOCC procedures, with ENT triaging referrals, then SLT completing pre- and postoperative VCC assessment (interview, perceptual assessment, flexible nasendoscopy), with assessment data later reviewed by ENT to diagnose laryngeal pathology. Clinical and service outcomes were collected prospectively. Patients completed an anonymous post-service satisfaction survey. RESULTS: Of the first 100 patients referred for preoperative VCCs, SLT assessment identified 42 with dysphonia and 30 reporting dysphagia, while ENT confirmed 9 with significant preoperative anatomical findings. Eighty-three underwent surgery, with 63 (95 nerves at surgical risk) returning for a postoperative VCC. Postoperative VCC identified three temporary neuropraxias (3.2%) and three unilateral vocal fold paresis (3.2%). Patients were highly satisfied with the service. All 163 pre-/postoperative VCCs were completed with no adverse events. CONCLUSION & IMPLICATIONS: The current data support SLT-FPOCC service expansion to include pre and post thyroid/parathyroid surgery VCC checks, with positive consumer perception. The model supports delivery of best practice management (i.e., pre- and postoperative VCC) for patients receiving surgery for thyroid/parathyroid dysfunction, and associated efficiencies for ENT services. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known Assessment of laryngeal function via flexible nasoendoscopy is recommended best practice for patients pre and postthyroid/parathyroid surgery, as recurrent laryngeal nerve injury is a low incidence (<10%), yet well-recognised risk of these surgeries. Traditionally, general surgeons refer presurgical patients to ear, nose and throat (ENT) for vocal cord check (VCC) assessment. However, with access to specialist outpatient services under increasing pressure, there is growing support for utilisation of other health professionals, such as speech-language therapists working in first point of contact (FPOCC) models, to assist with the administration of pre- and postsurgical assessments of such low-risk populations. What this study adds This work expands on the emerging body of evidence for speech language therapy (SLT) led FPOCC models within ENT outpatient services, providing clinical and service outcomes to support the safety of a new model designed to administer VCCs for patients pre and post thyroid/parathyroid surgery. Adopting a similar model to a prior published SLT-led FPOCC model, the trained SLT completes the pre- and postsurgical VCC including flexible nasoendoscopy and videostroboscopy, with images and clinical information then presented to ENT for diagnosis and management planning. This study also provides the first data on consumer perceptions of this type of service model. Clinical implications of this study Data on 100 consecutive presurgical patients revealed positive service findings, supporting the safety of this model. Nature and incidence of clinical findings pre and post surgery were consistent with previously published studies using traditional models of care (i.e., ENT completing the flexible nasendoscopy). Consumer perception was positive. This model enables delivery of pre-and postsurgical assessments for patients receiving thyroid/parathyroid surgery, consistent with best practice care, and reduces burden on ENT services. In total 163 ENT appointments were avoided with this model, with positive implications for ENT waitlist management.

Identifying prioritised actions for improving dysphagia services in Singapore: Insights from concept mapping with patients and caregivers.

BACKGROUND: Person-centred services are inherently related to patients/caregivers' needs. However, the extent to which dysphagia services within Singapore meet consumer needs is largely unknown. Involving patients/caregivers in service evaluation/redesign deepens the understanding of consumer needs. This process also increases the success of implementing service enhancements through relevant and meaningful change. AIM: This study aimed to identify aspects of dysphagia services, within acute and subacute settings in Singapore, perceived as highly important and easy to change by patients/caregivers. METHODS & PROCEDURES: Using concept mapping methodology, 5 patients and 11 caregivers reflected on their experiences of receiving dysphagia care and proposed 59 unique suggestions to improve dysphagia services within Singapore. Then, each individual sorted the suggestions into groups based on similarity and rated each statement for its perceived importance and changeability for service enhancement. Data were analysed using multidimensional scaling, hierarchical cluster analysis, and bivariate analysis to generate clusters of conceptually similar suggestions and a prioritised list of suggestions for service enhancement. RESULTS: Twelve clusters were identified, with most rated as more important than changeable for service improvement. Participants prioritised 23 (39%) of the suggestions as highly important and easy to change, and these focused on ensuring effective communication among consumers and healthcare team, enhancing patients and carers' access to support at home, increasing patients and carers' access to educational resources, and improving service quality and access through technology. CONCLUSION: These findings provide future directions on how to develop and implement dysphagia services in Singapore to better meet the needs of patients/caregivers. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: What is already known on this subject Little is known about patients and caregivers' experiences and expectations of receiving dysphagia services in Singapore. Consulting them in service review and improvement deepens understanding of their needs and increases the success of implementing meaningful service enhancements. What this study adds to existing knowledge This study shows that patients and caregivers in Singapore identified a wide range of dysphagia service issues and prioritised a list of suggestions for service improvement. They prioritised four key areas for service optimisation: ensuring effective communication among consumers and healthcare team, enhancing patients and carers' access to support at home, increasing patients and carers' access to educational resources, and improving service quality and access through technology. What are the clinical implications of this work? This research highlights the importance of considering the consumers' perspectives in service review and redesign. Patients and caregivers in Singapore identified four prioritised areas for service enhancements. These findings provide future directions on how to develop and implement dysphagia services in Singapore to better meet the needs of patients and caregivers.

Exploring maturity of electronic medical record use among allied health professionals.

BACKGROUND: Electronic medical records (EMRs) have the potential to improve and streamline the quality and safety of patient care. Harnessing the full benefits of EMR implementation depends on the utilisation of advanced features, defined as "mature usage." At present, little is known about the maturity of EMR usage by allied health professionals (AHPs). OBJECTIVE: To examine current maturity of EMR use by AHPs and explore perceived barriers to mature EMR utilisation and optimisation. METHOD: AHPs were recruited from three health services. Participants completed a 27-question electronic questionnaire based on the EMR Adoption Framework, which measures clinician EMR utilisation (0 = paper chart, 5 = theoretical maximum) across 10 EMR feature categories. Interviews were conducted with both clinicians and managers to explore the nature of current EMR utilisation and perceived facilitators and barriers to mature usage. RESULTS: Questionnaire responses were obtained from 192 AHPs. The majority of questions (74%) showed a mean score of <3, indicating a lack of mature EMR use. Pockets of mature usage were identified in the categories of health information, referrals and administration processes. Interviews with 18 clinicians and managers revealed barriers to optimisation across three themes: (1) limited understanding of EMR opportunities; (2) complexity of the EMR change process and (3) end-user and environmental factors. CONCLUSION: Mature usage across EMR feature categories of the EMR Adoption Framework was low. However, questionnaire and qualitative interview data suggested pockets of mature utilisation. IMPLICATIONS: Achieving mature allied health EMR use will require strategies implemented at the clinician, EMR support, and service levels.

Advances in and applications of imaging and radiomics in head and neck cancer survivorship.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Radiological imaging is an essential component of head/neck cancer (HNC) care. Advances in imaging modalities (including CT, PET, MRI and ultrasound) and analysis have enhanced our understanding of tumour characteristics and prognosis. However, the application of these methods to evaluate treatment-related toxicities and functional burden is still emerging. This review showcases recent literature applying advanced imaging and radiomics to the assessment and management of sequelae following chemoradiotherapy for HNC. RECENT FINDINGS: Whilst primarily early-stage/exploratory studies, recent investigations have showcased the feasibility of using radiological imaging, particularly advanced/functional MRI (including diffusion-weighted and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI), to quantify treatment-induced tissue change in the head/neck musculature, and the clinical manifestation of lymphoedema/fibrosis and dysphagia. Advanced feature analysis and radiomic studies have also begun to give specific focus to the prediction of functional endpoints, including dysphagia, trismus and fibrosis. SUMMARY: There is demonstrated potential in the use of novel imaging techniques, to help better understand pathophysiology, and improve assessment and treatment of functional deficits following HNC treatment. As larger studies emerge, technologies continue to progress, and pathways to clinical translation are honed, the application of these methods offers an exciting opportunity to transform clinical practices and improve outcomes for HNC survivors.

Digital divide or digital exclusion? Do allied health professionals' assumptions drive use of telehealth?

INTRODUCTION: Telehealth use within allied health services currently lacks structure and consistency, ultimately affecting who can, and cannot, access services. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing allied health professionals' (AHP) selection of consumers and appointments for telehealth. METHODS: This study was conducted across 16 allied health departments from four Australian hospitals. Semi-structured focus groups were conducted with 58 AHPs. Analysis was underpinned by Qualitative Description methodology with inductive coding guided by Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis approach. RESULTS: Six themes were identified that influenced AHPs' evaluation of telehealth suitability and selection of consumers. These included the following: (1) ease, efficiency and comfort of telehealth for clinicians; (2) clear benefits of telehealth for the consumer, yet the consumers were not always given the choice; (3) consumers' technology access and ability; (4) establishing and maintaining effective therapeutic relationships via telehealth; (5) delivering clinically appropriate and effective care via telehealth; and (6) external influences on telehealth service provision. A further theme of 'assumption versus reality' was noted to pervade all six themes. DISCUSSION: Clinicians remain the key decision makers for whether telehealth is offered within allied health services. Ease and efficiency of use is a major driver in AHP's willingness to use telehealth. Assumptions and pre-conceived frames-of-reference often underpin decisions to not offer telehealth and present major barriers to telehealth adoption. The development of evidence-based, decision-support frameworks that engage the consumer and clinician in determining when telehealth is used is required. Services need to actively pursue joint decision-making between the clinician and consumer about service delivery preferences.

Exploring the impact of remoteness on people with head and neck cancer: Utilisation of a state-wide dataset.

OBJECTIVE: Living in regional/rural areas can impact outcomes for people with head and neck cancer (HNC). Using a comprehensive state-wide dataset, the impact of remoteness on key service parameters and outcomes for people with HNC was examined. METHODS: Retrospective quantitative analysis of routinely collected data held within the Queensland Oncology Repository. DESIGN: Quantitative methods (descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic regression and geospatial analysis). SETTING: All people diagnosed with HNC in Queensland, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: The impact of remoteness was examined in 1991 people (1171 metropolitan, 485 inner-regional, 335 rural) with HNC cancer diagnosed between 2013 and 2015. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: This paper reports key demographics and tumour characteristics (age, gender, socioeconomic status, First Nations status, co-morbidities, primary tumour site and staging), service use/uptake (treatment rates, attendance at multidisciplinary team review and timing to treatment) and post-acute outcomes (readmission rates, causes of readmission and 2-year survival). In addition to this, the distribution of people with HNC across QLD, distances travelled and patterns of readmission were also analysed. RESULTS: Regression analysis revealed remoteness significantly (p < 0.001) impacted access to MDT review, receiving treatment, and time to treatment commencement, but not readmission or 2-year survival. Reasons for readmission did not differ by remoteness, with dysphagia, nutritional inadequacies, gastrointestinal disorders and fluid imbalance indicated in the majority of readmissions. Rural people were significantly (p < 0.0001) more likely to travel to care and to readmit to a different facility than provided primary treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new insights into the health care disparities for people with HNC residing in regional/rural areas.

Identifying opportunities to optimise the electronic medical record for allied health professionals: a concept mapping study.

Objective To utilise a concept mapping process to identify key opportunities for electronic medical record (EMR) optimisation for allied health professionals (AHPs). Methods A total of 26 participants (allied health managers, clinicians and healthcare consumers) completed the concept mapping process, which included generating statements, and then subsequently sorting all statements into groups, and also ranking each statement for importance and changeability (0 = not important/changeable, 4 extremely important/changeable). Multivariate analysis and multidimensional scaling were then used to identify core priorities for digital optimisation. Results Participants generated 98 discrete statements that were grouped into 13 conceptual clusters. Of these, 36 statements were subsequently determined to fall within the 'green zone' on the Go-Zone plot of importance and changeability (changeability ≥2.44, importance ≥2.79), and formed the set of key optimisation priorities. Clusters with the most items in the Go-Zone plot were 'training and business rules ' and 'service statistics .' Conclusion Concept mapping facilitated identification of 36 key optimisation priorities considered both changeable and important to assist EMR optimisation for AHPs. Addressing these priorities requires action related to end-user skills and training, EMR system capacity, and streamlining of governance and collaboration for the optimisation process.

Post-laryngectomy pulmonary and related symptom changes following adoption of an optimal day-and-night heat and moisture exchanger (HME) regimen.

BACKGROUND: This study examined post-laryngectomy pulmonary and related symptom changes following establishment of an optimal day/night regimen (all day/night wear of devices with improved humidification) using a new generation range of heat and moisture exchanger (HME) devices. METHODS: In Phase 1 (6 weeks), 42 post-laryngectomy HME users transitioned from their usual HME regime to equivalent new device/s (i.e., "like-for-like"). In Phase 2 (6 weeks) participants used the full range of HMEs to achieve an optimal day/night regimen. Pulmonary symptoms, device use, sleep, skin integrity, quality of life and satisfaction were examined at baseline, and weeks 2 and 6 of each Phase. RESULTS: From baseline to end of Phase 2, cough symptoms and impact significantly improved, as did sputum symptoms, sputum impact, duration and types of HMEs used, reasons for HME replacement, involuntary coughs, and sleep. CONCLUSION: The new HME range supported improved HME use, with pulmonary and related symptom benefits.

Development and Pilot Testing of Telesimulation for Pediatric Feeding: A Feasibility Study.

Simulation enables learners to practice new skills in a supportive environment. Largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, simulation via telepractice, i.e., telesimulation, has emerged. Viable delivery of telesimulation requires consideration of the adaptations needed to conduct simulation via telepractice. The aim of this study was to design and pilot test the feasibility of using telesimulation to provide training in infant feeding management. An iterative process was used across four phases: (1) simulation design, (2) telesimulation adaptations, (3) user testing, feedback, and modifications, and (4) user testing of modified simulation, feedback, and final modifications. During Phases 1 and 2, team members worked together to design and test telepractice adaptations for a simulation experience. During Phases 3 and 4, the telesimulation was pilot tested with a group of speech pathologists, with feedback sought via open-ended survey questions and/or an optional focus group. Manifest content analysis was used to interpret user feedback. In Phase 2, several adaptations were explored to optimize telesimulation delivery and engagement, including Zoom® functions (e.g., 'spotlighting,' digital backgrounds) and supplementary video/auditory files. There were 11 participants across Phases 3 and 4. Specific feedback centered around simulation preparation and structure, session practicalities, supports for realism, Zoom® functions, group dynamics, participants' experiences, and future enhancements. An overall list of recommendations for telesimulation was generated. Telesimulation for feeding management was considered feasible and participant feedback was favorable. Further research is required to investigate if the learner outcomes of telesimulation are comparable to in-person simulation for infant feeding management.